Terrance West and Isaiah Crowell: Is Early-Season Success Sustainable?

Back in March, the Cleveland Browns signed running Ben Tate to a two-year deal in hopes of solving one of their biggest weaknesses from the previous season. But after an injury to Tate in Week 1, the Browns turned their rushing attack over to two rookies: Terrance West and Isaiah Crowell.

The first-year running backs have far exceeded expectations thus far, combining for 375 yards from scrimmage and averaging 4.7 yards per rushing attempt.

But is their early-season success sustainable?

Let's take a look at a few plays that highlight their success and some advanced stats which support the legitimacy of their performances. 

The first play, from the Browns' Week 2 victory over the New Orleans Saints, highlights West's running ability, in addition to the play of the offensive line. 

The run succeeds initially thanks to a favorable play design and the offensive line handling its duties. 

In the image below, before West has even received the handoff, the Browns offensive line has engaged with four of the five defenders in range making a play. The fifth defender, linebacker David Hawthorne (No. 57), is in the sights of Browns fullback Ray Agnew (labeled in image).

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With blocking in place, West is virtually guaranteed of making a positive gain, but his vision allows him to turn the play into something more. 

In the previous image, a hole can be seen developing between left tackle Joe Thomas (No. 73) and left guard Joel Bitonio. However, Hawthorne is quick to plug the crease and looks ready to limit West to a short gain. 

With his impressive vision, West sees the initial hole closing quickly (the white arrow) and another opening on the outside (red arrow). Tight end Jordan Cameron has sealed off a second hole, allowing West to bounce the run to the outside for a 15-yard gain. 

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This combination of design, blocking and vision bodes well for West's continued success in the Browns offense. 

Now let's take a look at one of Crowell's biggest plays of the year, a 14-yard touchdown run against the Baltimore Ravens.

Once again, even as Crowell is waiting for the pitch, the Browns blockers are already in place. On this play, Agnew is engaged with strong-side linebacker Courtney Upshaw, while Bitonio (No. 75) is handling a Ravens defensive lineman. Thomas is on his way to the second level to take on inside linebacker Daryl Smith. 

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This clears an easy path to the end zone for Crowell, and by the time he clears the first level of the defense it's simply a foot race between him and defenders racing over from the weak side.

Beyond these examples, the stats also support the notion of both Crowell and West sustaining their play. Like so many of the elite rushing attacks in the league, the Browns have established a thunder-and-lightening attack, with the skill sets of each rookie back complementing that of the other. 

West, who has been starting in Tate's absence, has played the role of thunder. Through the first three weeks of the season, 128 of West's 208 yards have come after contact. According to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), West ranks 11th out of 52 qualifying running backs with an average of 2.7 yards after contact per attempt—a better rate than noted power runners such as Marshawn Lynch, Eddie Lacy, and Frank Gore.

On the flip side is Crowell, whose impressive burst and second gear have allowed him to quickly grow into the lightening role. 

From that same group of 52 running backs, Crowell ranks fourth based on yards before contact per attempt—a testament to both the blocking and Crowell's elusiveness. 

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It's difficult to make a definitive conclusion after just three games, but the Browns certainly seem to have a sustainable plan for running the football. 

In terms of physical traits, West and Crowell collectively appear to have the combination of size, speed, agility and vision to produce at a high level in the NFL. And behind the Browns' impressive offensive line, they are a duo that should continue to develop as they become more comfortable with the speed of the professional game.